An experienced K1, Muay Thai and MMA fighter with a current record of 6-3, Chris presents a tough challenge for any fighter. He will be looking to use his experience to record the first loss on Houston’s record.

This fight marks the first time Mayhem Promotions have put a belt on the line which adds extra incentive to the fight.

Chris said, “It feels good to be given any opportunity, promotion or not, to make someone else feel pain.”

Unbeaten and without a loss in 13 fights, Houston is seen as the obvious favourite on paper but Meaney has no time for favourites or underdogs. His mind is focused on the fight and beating Houston.

“Being the underdog, or favourite is an imagined state of existence created by the ill-informed and ignorant. I’m going to Derry to hit someone, Houston regardless of who he’s fought to be named the favourite will get hit, and after that happens all notion of underdog and favourite will disappear.”

Nowadays most fighters research their opponents in detail before the fight; they have access to social media and past fights on Youtube. Meaney is not one of those people, he approaches every fight in the same way.

“This interview is the first time I have hear his name. My coach told me that I was fighting on March 5th and I don’t care for the details. Some guys do loads of research, watch opponents videos, read their Facebook and Twitter, but no matter how much research someone does it doesn’t change the fact that on the night they will be standing in front of you.”

But how does Meaney envision himself defeating Houston? His answer was simple.

“By hitting him harder than he’s hitting me, by moving faster than he can keep up with, and then the finish will come, whether it be by hands or kicks is not for me to decide.”

With two weeks to go most of the intense training and hard hours are done. The build up to fight week is fast approaching.

“Training’s been going good, but then there is always someone from the gym fighting so everyone has to be a constant state of fight readiness,” he said.

On March 5th one fighter will emerge triumphant. Houston vs Meaney promises to produce fireworks on the night!